There’s nothing quite as magical as fall in Minnesota when the trees are transitioning from the vibrant greens of summer to vivid gold, red, yellow, and orange. As the weather begins to cool and the leaves start to fall, many homeowners start thinking about cutting back their trees ahead of the winter months.

 

But did you know that it’s a common misconception that autumn is the best time of year for tree trimming and pruning? In this post from Vital Tree Service, we’re diving into the truth about the right time of year for trimming your trees. To schedule your professional tree trimming and pruning services, give us a call today!

The Importance of Tree Trimming and Pruning

Keeping your trees trimmed and pruned regularly is an essential part of tree care. Regular tree maintenance helps to ensure healthy new growth each spring and prevent overgrowth at the same time. It also helps to thin the canopy where growth can interfere with the health of the grass and lawn underneath.

 

Damaged branches are also much more susceptible to infections and fungal growth. And finally, during the winter months in Minnesota, too many unhealthy branches can become weighted down with snow and ice, creating a potential liability and hazard for your home and family.

Is There a Best Time of Year for Trimming?

At Vital Tree Service in Minnesota, we field more than our fair share of questions about arboreal care. One of the most common is whether there is an ideal time of year for tree trimming, and most homeowners will guess that time is fall.

 

But the truth is that winter is actually the best time of year. During the winter months, trees become dormant. This makes winter a better bet for tree trimming for a few reasons:

 

●        It’s easy for tree trimming crews to navigate the landscape and see what they’re doing clearly.

●        Trimming while trees are dormant means they’re less vulnerable to tree disease, insects, and other harmful infections.

●        When trimmed during winter, trees will heal quickly and be ready to go once spring arrives.

●        There’s less demand for tree trimming services in the winter months, which means faster service and can even mean better rates.

When You Shouldn’t Trim in Winter

While winter works well for most tree trimming and pruning, some trees and shrubs are exceptions to the rule. If you’ve got shrubs or trees that bloom in early spring, trimming at the wrong time can interfere with the growth of buds and reduce your spring bloom. Crabapples, redbuds, and magnolias are all trees that should not be trimmed in late winter.

When in Doubt, Contact a Professional

Hiring a professional tree trimming service helps to ensure that your trees remain healthy and beautiful and your landscape is safe. To contact Vital Tree Service, give us a call at 651-341-4021 or contact us online and schedule your fall or winter tree trimming services today.